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Re: Streamlight Survivor LED

I have owned one for a little over a year. It is a very durable light, perfect for outdoor use. I think it is good for the use you describe. I have only run mine on the rechargeable pack, but it lasts longer than what it's specs. state, and the " low" setting is very useable.

Re: Streamlight Survivor LED

I am thinking of getting an LED Survivor. Question: If I buy the Alkaline model and use rechargeable NiMH AA's, will a Survivor charger base (intended for the internal NiCD pack) charge the AA's properly?

Thanks,

Dave

PS I've not read about switch problems dkelly mentioned, anyone think this is a widespread problem with these lights?

Re: Streamlight Survivor LED

Originally Posted by avusblue

If I buy the Alkaline model and use rechargeable NiMH AA's, will a Survivor charger base (intended for the internal NiCD pack) charge the AA's properly?

I don't know definitively, but I would be surprised if the charger handled NiMH because you're "not supposed to" use NiMH in the Survivor because it voids the safety certifications. I wouldn't be surprised if the charging base never actually stops charging, which will eventually fry NiMH cells.

Re: Streamlight Survivor LED

Originally Posted by avusblue

I am thinking of getting an LED Survivor. Question: If I buy the Alkaline model and use rechargeable NiMH AA's, will a Survivor charger base (intended for the internal NiCD pack) charge the AA's properly?

Thanks,

Dave

PS I've not read about switch problems dkelly mentioned, anyone think this is a widespread problem with these lights?

If you have the Alkaline pack...only use non rechargable AAs. If you want a recharge battery...buy our recharge battery. You will void your warranty if you do not follow our polices.

Re: Streamlight Survivor LED

I use the Survivor LED with Eneloops (Sanyo's NiMH version which is resistant to trickle loss) with no problems.

I do use a charger that can handle the NiMH batteries and do not have the one sold with the rechargeable version of the Survivor (I got the non-rechargeable version).

It is true that it is a specialized light with a very narrow beam (something like 10 degrees) so whether it fits your needs kind of depends. There is a bit of spill, but it tends to pale in comparison with the powerful spot.

Haven't had a problem with the switch yet, or any kind of problem. On the other hand, I haven't had to use it under extreme circumstances.

aubie515,
I've had my eye on that Vulcan LED since they put it on the site,but I've been waiting on a review.If you pick one up let us know what you think.

I have a question,how are they managing the heat in a polymer body?

It would be an awesome candidate for a P7 or MC-E swap with a bump in current,permitted you could get the heat out.At half power your only talking about 5 watts,not that much of an increase,but the output(emitter lumens)would be over 400 lumens.That large pencil beam reflector would probably focus either emitter.

I know its been said before,but its nice to have someone from Streamlight hanging around here.

Re: Streamlight Survivor LED

aubie,

The Survivor LED says:

USE OF LITHIUM AA CELLS WILL DAMAGE THE
LIGHT AND VOID THE WARRANTY.

I can understand why they mean not to use 3.6v lithium AA's but why can't we use 1.5v Energizer lithium AA's? I don't use alkaline batteries any longer because i've ruined several lights & gadgets over the years from leaking alkalines.

Re: Streamlight Survivor LED

the SL Survivor LED is a decent light and as others mentioned somewhat specialized. It is used by firefighters because its narrow beam is supposed to work better in smoky environments.

The advantage of this light is that is has a big throw due to its long and narrow reflector design. You'd probably need to buy a flashlight with a pretty big reflector (definitely NOT an EDC design!) to match the throw of this one.

The disadvantage is that it does not have one of the cutting edge LEDs (is it a Luxeon III? unless it's been updated). Still, with its 4xAAs, it can run for 3 hours on the high and up to 6 hours on low, so it is pretty useful.

I've been using Eneloop rechargeable NiMH batteries with no problems, and also have had no problems with the switch. It is somewhat larger so it can be used easier with gloved hands.

The light is also fairly useful around the house since you can just set it down and the 90 degree design is helpful for a lot of things (e.g., in a blackout, if you are looking behind something you set it on the floor and have both hands free, etc.).

It's a tough plastic design as well, very durable. It is somewhat large, but has a large clip too you can use to attach it to a helmet for example.

I'd say then that the light has its uses even if its LED has not been updated, and may fit what your needs are as well.